Resort height limits proposed

Friday, July 26, 2002 | 11:10 a.m.

BILOXI, Miss. -- The city of Biloxi is considering a proposal restricting the height of casino hotels.

The ordinance would affect areas zoned for casinos, which currently have no limitations.

A subcommittee of the Biloxi Planning Commission agreed Thursday that the limit for hotels and casinos should be 110 feet. However, they could go as high as 250 feet if a casino proves the need as part of a master plan.

The city's tallest existing building, Imperial Palace casino, is 323 feet high.

The subcommittee discussed whether high rises would jeopardize the future viability of Keesler Air Force Base.

Curtis Harrison, a commission member, said building heights are already restricted by Keesler Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration, so the city shouldn't get involved.

Ed Shambra, the city's director of planning, countered that Keesler can only make recommendations because it is not an enforcement agency. That responsibility falls on the city.

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